National

Experts: Mahakumbh Enhances Prayagraj’s Economy by 200-300%

Published

12 months ago

March 3, 2025

The majestic Mahakumbh 2025 has not only enhanced the spiritual significance of Teerthraj Prayagraj but also provided a substantial lift to the city’s economy. This 45-day event has especially benefited the hospitality sector, including hotels and restaurants, as well as tour operators and retail traders.

The economic effects are projected to extend even further, fueling growth in sectors such as real estate, automobiles, electronics, and luxury goods, thanks to the increase in disposable income among local residents. Experts predict that Mahakumbh could potentially boost Prayagraj’s economy by an astonishing 200 to 300 percent.

In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, the rise in spiritual tourism is expected to continue benefitting Prayagraj’s economy well beyond the event. Throughout the 45-day Mahakumbh, more than 66 crore devotees visited the city, leading to immediate revenue increases of 30 to 40 times for businesses involved in grains, vegetables, mattresses, furniture, tents, and more. Local boatmen, auto-rickshaw drivers, hawkers, and merchants in the Sangam area also reported significant earnings.

Shiv Shankar Singh, General Secretary of Prayagraj Vyapar Mandal, emphasized on Monday that the increase in local incomes will further propel economic growth. He stated, “This will drive substantial expansion in sectors such as real estate, automobiles, electronics, and luxury goods in the coming days.”

He further highlighted that CM Adityanath’s emphasis on boosting spiritual and domestic tourism places Prayagraj at the forefront of the state’s developmental agenda. Singh noted, “The 12 newly built corridors, paved ghats in the Sangam region, and improved connectivity with nearby pilgrimage and tourist sites are set to enhance tourism further in the future. This will directly benefit both Prayagraj and Uttar Pradesh’s economy, making the Mahakumbh a remarkable economic and spiritual asset for the region.”

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.